What does urodele mean?
A urodele is a salamander, particularly a member of the zoological order Urodela, the group that includes familiar salamanders and newts. The noun is used mainly in scientific, comparative-anatomy, and paleontological contexts; in ordinary discussion, “salamander” is usually clearer and more natural. The adjective “urodele” means relating to or characteristic of these animals and is considerably rarer. Urodeles differ from frogs and toads in retaining a tail throughout their lives, and their name reflects the Greek words for “tail” and “visible.” Although “Urodela” is sometimes treated as synonymous with the broader modern classification “Caudata,” “urodele” remains a useful precise term in zoological literature. Recognizing it also helps readers navigate older scientific names, taxonomic descriptions, and accounts of amphibian evolution.
A salamander, especially a member of the zoological order Urodela.
"The amphibian survey recorded one urodele near the stream."
A technical zoological noun; “salamander” is the usual everyday equivalent.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of urodeles or salamanders.
"The paper compares the urodele and anuran skulls."
This adjectival use is uncommon outside specialist biological writing.
The standard plural of the noun urodele.
"Several urodeles were released into the restored wetland."
The name means “visible tail”—a fitting tribute to the tail that salamanders retain throughout their lives.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does urodele come from?
The word comes through New Latin from Greek oura, meaning “tail,” and dēlos, meaning “visible.” It was applied to the salamander group because their tails remain externally visible, including during the larval stage, unlike the tails of many frogs. The taxonomic name Urodela and related English words using the combining form “uro-” share the same Greek element for “tail.”
Related word forms
How urodele is actually used
Urodele is principally a zoological term and is less common than the everyday word “salamander.” The capitalized form “Urodela” denotes the corresponding taxonomic order.